Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Serum protein profiles in domestic pigeons naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium
M Mayahi1, G Khajeh, N Mosavari
1Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
Avian tuberculosis is an important disease affecting all species of birds and is most often caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium genavense. Blood proteins are important diagnostic constituents in gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and infectious diseases.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to compare serum protein profiles of domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA), with healthy pigeons.
Methods:
Serum samples were collected from 80 pigeons with clinical signs of tuberculosis, all kept in the same loft. All birds were necropsied and cultured for mycobacteriosis; positive cultures were typed for MAA by PCR reactions targeting 16S rRNA, IS901 and IS1245. The concentration of total serum proteins was determined by the biuret method and spectrophotometry. Individual protein fractions were analyzed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and extrapolated based on total protein concentration. For statistical analysis, the infected birds were compared with healthy pigeons.
Results:
A total of 37 pigeons with culture results positive for MAA were selected and allocated to 2 groups, a culture-positive group with macroscopic lesions of tuberculosis and another without macroscopic lesions. Six protein fractions were identified: prealbumin, albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, and beta globulins and gamma globulins. Concentrations of total protein, beta globulins and gamma globulins were statistically significantly higher in the infected pigeons when compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups of birds with or without macroscopic lesions.
Conclusions:
Statistically significant differences in total protein, and beta and gamma globulin concentrations in all infected pigeons suggest that serum protein electrophoresis represents a nonspecific but valuable indicator for tuberculosis in pigeons.
Insights
Serum protein electrophoresis can help diagnose avian tuberculosis in pigeons. Infected birds showed higher total protein, beta globulin, and gamma globulin levels compared to healthy ones.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Avian tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium genavense, affects all bird species.
- Serum proteins are crucial indicators for various diseases in birds, including infectious conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum protein profiles in domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) against healthy controls.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum protein electrophoresis for avian tuberculosis in pigeons.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 80 pigeons with suspected tuberculosis were analyzed.
- Mycobacterial cultures and PCR confirmed MAA infection.
- Total protein and individual fractions (prealbumin, albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, gamma globulins) were quantified using biuret method and cellulose acetate electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- 37 pigeons tested positive for MAA.
- Infected pigeons exhibited significantly higher concentrations of total protein, beta globulins, and gamma globulins compared to healthy pigeons.
- No significant differences in protein profiles were observed between infected birds with or without macroscopic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Serum protein electrophoresis is a valuable, albeit nonspecific, diagnostic tool for avian tuberculosis in pigeons.
- Elevated total protein, beta, and gamma globulin levels in infected pigeons indicate potential for this method in disease detection.
